File on Upper Trishuli 3A upgrade at CIAA

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has finally spoken on the government’s controversial decision to upgrade the capacity of the 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3 ‘A’ Hydropower Project to 90 megawatts.
According to a source close to the Ministry of Energy (MoE), the CIAA has written to the ministry on Wednesday seeking details of the January 3 cabinet decision that decided in principle to go for an upgrade.
“Please, send a copy of the cabinet decision of January related to Upper Trishuli 3 ‘A’ to the CIAA,” reads the CIAA letter sent to the ministry. Following the CIAA request, the ministry sent a copy of the cabinet decision to the CIAA.
“The ministry has replied to the CIAA on Thursday,” the source revealed.
The source further disclosed that Energy Minister Uma Kant Jha and Energy Secretary Hariram Koirala had held a meeting with CIAA chief Lok Man Singh Karki before the NEA board of directors last week endorsed the cabinet decision. Minister Jha is also the chairman of the NEA board.
Both Secretary Koirala and Minister Jha when contacted by Republica refused to comment on the meeting.
“Based on the information I have, the decision to upgrade the capacity of the project was made after receiving CIAA’s nod,” the source said. “Despite giving nod to the upgrade decision, the CIAA has sought details of the cabinet decision.”
Baburam Bhattarai was prime minister when the cabinet in January decided to upgrade the project.